Santa Elena Canyon

— One of the most iconic views in Big Bend NP is the Santa Elena Canyon. It can be seen from various parts in the park. No matter how close or far you are to the canyon, the view is captivating. As we were driving the Old Maverick Road, as you approach the Rio Grande, there you will see the unmistakable walls of the canyon. On this particular trip in September 2018, the park was more exuberant because of the amount of rain it had received. As the photo shows, there was a lot of green, and the yuccas were flowering, too. This road is not hard to drive, but you better check with a park ranger first to make sure there are no problems, if you’re on a sedan or low-clearance vehicle.